AKUA NARU

GERMANY

Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut (USA), Akua Naru’s journey to global poet began in an early upbringing in the Pentecostal church. Her powerful poetic lyricism, talent for storytelling and ability to integrate historical narratives into her music with unmatched eloquence have drawn the attention of scholars and activists around the globe. Naru admits to writing "to fulfill the void she needs filled since access to female voice has been so limited in hip hop". Due to a legacy of slavery and silence in which being black and women has meant exploitation, marginalization, and damaging stereotyping lasting right up to today, Naru defiantly declares her intention to "provide a body of knowledge" by centralizing black women's experiences in her work. Akua Naru’s latest release “The Miner’s Canary” has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews. The album, recorded live over a two year period, boasts an amazing cast of talented and accomplished features which assist in freeing its musical landscape from the single genre of hip hop to settle between soul, blues, and jazz. She has lectured with Bakari Kitwana, Dr Tricia Rose, and Public Enemy Pioneer Chuck D. Her new album “The Blackest Joy” will focus on maternity and African heritage.

LATEST UPDATES

PRS Foundation uses cookies to improve your experience on this site and to provide a better picture of how it is being visited and used. To find out more, read PRS Foundation's updated Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy.Accept